COURSE INFORMATION
Population and International Health

 
 
 

HPP 207ab. Econometrics for Health Policy (Department of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Population and International Health)
Dr. C. Yip
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course provides students with an understanding of intermediary econometric concepts and methods commonly used in health policy research. Special attention is given to modeling and model specification issues. Articles from the health policy literature and computer data exercises provide a context for discussion of the methods. Prepares students for a fuller understanding of the material covered in HPM 208cd.
Course Note: Some prior course work in statistics necessary; signature of instructor required indicating suitable background.


HPP 268c. Financing Health Care in Developing Countries (Departments of Health Policy and Management and Population and International Health)
Dr. Y. Liu, Dr. W. Hsiao, Dr. P. Berman
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course provides a comprehensive survey on the major health care financing options for developing countries. It begins with introduction of system diagnostic criteria such as equity and efficiency, as well as assessment tools such as the National Health Account technique. Drawing on economic theory and international experiences, the course analyzes strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches to financing, including tax-based financing, social insurance, user fee financing, and community financing. The aim is to prepare students for applied work in economics and policy analysis related to health financing. This course makes extensive use of case studies.


ID 250b. Ethical Basis of the Practice of Public Health (Department of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Population and International Health)
Dr. M. Reich
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Provides students with a broad overview of some of the main philosophical and moral ideas that are used as a basis for resolving debates of public health policy. Helps students develop their own capacities to analyze, criticize, evaluate, and construct policy-oriented arguments.
Course Note: Acceptance into the MPH Program or the Department of Health Policy and Management or the Department of Population and International Health; students must register for appropriate section.


ID250c. Ethical Basis of the Practice of Public Health (Department of Population and International Health)
Dr. J. Sevilla
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Provides students with a broad overview of some of the main philosophical and moral ideas that are used as a basis for resolving debates of public health policy. Helps students develop their own capacities to analyze, criticize, evaluate, and construct policy-oriented arguments.
Course note: Acceptance into the MPH Program or the Department of Population and International Health; students must register for appropriate section.


ID 262a. Introduction to the Practice of International Health (Department of Population and International Health)
Dr. R. Cash
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

How is international health defined? What are its historical roots and modern manifestations? Which are the major contemporary issues and debates on policies and practices? These questions are addressed in this introductory course that defines the scope of the field, highlights contemporary issues, and reviews selective case studies of international health policies and practices. The course begins with an examination of world health and development and the rapid health transitions taking place around the world. Key contemporary issues are critically examined - disease control, primary health care, child survival, essential drugs, health policy, and the evolving roles of international and non-governmental organizations. Interspersed throughout are several case studies of challenges facing the modern practice of international health.
Course Note: This introductory course complements PIH 200a and prepares the student for other international health offerings, including PIH 244b and PIH 251d.


PIH 200a. Population and Health
Dr. D. Bloom
2.5 credits
Lectures, discussion. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course shows how the population-based approach provides new insights into international public health issues, covers the health and mortality transitions in developed and developing countries, reviews the links between fertility, mortality and reproductive health, and provides a basic introduction to fertility and family planning programs.
Course Note: Departmental requirement.


PIH 203c. Computer Methods for Demography and International Health
Mr. S. Atwood (P), Dr. A. Hill (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures, practicals and sessions in the Instructional Computing Facility.

This course will provide an introduction to a range of computer techniques for the design, collection, management and analysis of the kinds of data commonly encountered in population and health surveys in developing countries. Topics covered include advanced use of spreadsheets, unpacking DHS and similar files, joining and matching files of different lengths, review of EPI-INFO for questionnaire construction and data entry, reading data into SAS, data checking and manipulation, and the use of standard procedures. The sessions will provide students with the computer skills needed to complete the homework required for courses such as PIH 221c and PIH 222d (Analysis of Fertility and Mortality).
Course Activities: All sessions will involve individual practice with computer programs available in the Instructional Computing Facility. Students must complete the weekly assignments and a final exam.
Course Note: The course assumes prior familiarity with basic computer methods such as word processing and use of spreadsheets for calculation and drawing graphs; BIO 113b is strongly recommended; enrollment limited to 20 students; pass/fail option only.


PIH 206cd. Complex Humanitarian Emergencies Research
Dr. J. Leaning
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

The course addresses critical aspects of complex humanitarian emergencies, which are assessed as acute threats to large populations trapped in war, civil conflict, and underlying poverty and deprivation. These crises are characterized by targeted attacks on civilians, mass population dislocations, widespread human rights abuses, and a high level of insecurity for responders. Topic areas, including assessment of root causes and precipitants, intervention experience, public health and medical operations, role of media and NGOs, human rights and humanitarian law issues, and psychosocial aspects, are covered through case study and review of the literature. Emphasis is placed on preparing public health practitioners and policy makers to participate in humanitarian prevention and response.
Course Activities: Requirements include readings from syllabus and short list of required texts as well as a final paper.
Course Note: Enrollment limited, instructor's signature required.


PIH 211b. Management Control in Health Organizations
Dr. M. Mitchell
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course is designed for students interested in learning about finance and management of health care in low and middled income countries. The focus will be on the development of knowledge and skills that are needed by managers of health care organizations in a variety of settings. It will cover a broad range of topics including cost analysis, budgeting and control, financial analysis, revenue generation, and performance monitoring. While some theory will be presented, this course will emphasize practical applications of the techniques discussed through the use of the case study method. Although no prior education in financial or managerial accounting is required to take this course, students without any prior training will be expected to do extra work to learn the basics of financial accounting.
Course Note: Students who have or are taking HPM219a or HPM220b may not take this course for credit.


PIH 214d. Health, Human Rights and the International System
Dr. S. Marks
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.

This course is designed to provide an overview of the nature and role of international norms, processes and institutions with respect to health and human rights issues. Focus will be on the responses of the international political and legal order to some of the pressing issues of health and human rights. Focus will be on the principal multilateral agencies and programs. Among the specific issues to be examined are: trade; intellectual property and drug pricing in Africa; refugee status of girls threatened with FGC (female genital cutting); forced sterilization and human rights procedures in Latin America; use of nuclear weapons before the World Court; health of child workers under the European Social Charter. We will use simulations of actual cases. The ultimate aim of the course is to prepare students to understand and interact with the international system to advance the health and human rights objectives, whether through governmental, intergovernmental or nongovernmental processes.
Course Note: Students considering taking this course are strongly encouraged, but not required, to first take PIH 218a "Health and Human Rights".


PIH 218a. Health and Human Rights: Concepts and Methods for Public Health
Dr. S. Gruskin
2.5 credits
Lecture, case study. One 3-hour session each week.

The course identifies and discusses the complex interactions between health and human rights, with particular emphasis on the implications of human rights for public health thinking and practice. The course provides the basis for literacy about modern human rights, including core principles, key documents, institutions and practices. Then, a framework for analysis of health/human rights interactions is developed and applied, including: effect of health policies and programs on human rights; health consequences of human rights violations; and the inextricable linkage between promoting and protecting health and promoting and protecting human rights. A variety of topics including reproductive health and HIV/AIDS are used to illustrate and explore practical applications of human rights in public health.


PIH 219b. Development and Human Rights (Cross-listed at KSG as PED-141M)
Dr. S. Marks
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars.

This course considers the impact of economic development on health and
human rights, and the problems achieving human rights in developing
societies. We will examine broad-ranging political-economic and social
issues that bear on the local application of internationally recognized
human rights. Beginning with an exploration of the underlying
concepts and strategies of both economic development and human rights,
we will consider international economic relations (trade,
investment, technical assistance) as they affect health and human rights. We will explore the social, economic, cultural, legal and political
processes by which development and human rights are affected in various
societies. Topics to be covered include the human right to development,
conditionality of foreign aid, corruption, housing, gender issues, and
ethnic conflict.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 40 students.


PIH 220b. Introduction to Demographic Methods
Dr. A. Hill, Guest Lecturers
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Presents the main demographic approaches to the study of population structure and dynamics, including data sources, age and sex composition, growth, fertility, nuptiality, mortality, and population forecasts and projections.


[PIH 221c.] Fertility Analysis
Dr. U. Larsen
2.5 credits
Not offered 2001-2002.
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

The course is an intermediate level class on the analysis of fertility and its proximate determinants. The students are introduced to the different data sources useful for estimating and interpreting levels and differentials of fertility. A number of the most used techniques in fertility analyses are presented. The emphasis is on understanding the underlying assumptions, applying the techniques and interpreting the results. Research design issues and frameworks for studying levels and variations in fertility are discussed, and specific empirical analyses are reviewed. This course is designed to be taken concurrently with PIH 203c.
Course Activities: Practical training will be given through homework exercises and a final take home exam.


PIH 222c. Measuring Population Health
Dr. A. Hill
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This intermediate level course introduces students to the problems of measuring the health status of populations with particular attention to developing countries. It provides a theoretical introduction to the problem of developing population-based measures that include both the effects of premature mortality as well as the effects of morbidity and disability. A section of the course is devoted to capturing the main dimensions of mortality levels and patterns for adults and children in countries without full vital registration. The new WHO life tables are contrasted with other mortality measures. The value of verbal autopsies for cause of death ascertainment is discussed. The remainder of the course deals with the problem of assessing the burden of disease attributable to illness and disability. A variety of approaches are presented including the DALE measures and quality-adjusted life years measures such as the DALY. This course provides the theoretical and practical skills for the student to understand the steps needed to undertake a national burden of disease study.
Course Activities: Students are required to undertake a series of short practical exercises that require use of spreadsheets and specialized programs provided in the computer laboratory. The final product is a complete analysis of one or more data sets for a selected country.


PIH 224d. The Epidemiology of the Family
Dr. Rahman
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course will explore how membership in a "family" affects one's health and survival. It will draw on the burgeoning literature in social epidemiology which goes beyond the conventional epidemiologic focus on individual specific risk factors and investigates the social, economic, behavioral, informational and biological links between individuals and their kingroup, and the effects of such links on individual health status. Students will be introduced to the extensive literature in this area, with the focus on developing countries; measures of health status, both subjective and objective; and data and analytic issues inherent in investigating family level effects on health.


PIH 239d. Management of Reproductive Health Programs
Dr. M. Mitchell
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

The development of exciting and innovative policies and programs have little impact on health unless they are effectively implemented. Yet few health planners or managers in Low Income Countries have any formal training in management and as a result many excellent global, national and local health initiatives do not achieve their goals in a reasonable time frame or at an affordable cost.

A good example of need for greater capacity in implementation is the case of Reproductive Health. Following 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, almost all countries adopted policies consistent with a reproductive-health approach to service delivery. Yet, recent evidence has indicated that, while most countries have adopted policies appropriate to the language of the Program of Action from ICPD, few have been able to deliver client focused integrated reproductive health services to their populations.

This course will look at the management approaches and tools necessary for effective implementation of a reproductive health program and the reasons for the slow implementation of the The Program of Action of the ICPD. Topics will include fundamentals of management, planning and monitoring tools, change management, assessing system capacities, dealing with donors and politicians, and evaluation of success. The course will have an emphasis on the learning of practical skills and applications using a case based method of teaching.


PIH 241c. Health Planning in Developing Countries: Cost-Effective Analysis and Priority Setting Techniques
Dr. J. Sevilla, Dr. A. Mahal
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Through the use of lectures and problem sets, students will learn the applied skills needed for the economic evaluation of health projects, interventions and programs. Emphasis will be placed on cost-effectiveness and its use in sectoral resource allocation decisions including ethical underpinnings.
Course Activities: Students will gain experience using spreadsheets for calculations of costs and benefits.
Course Note: Some knowledge of economics or quantitative skills recommended.


PIH243d. Qualitative Methods in Public Health
Ms. A. Basu (P), Dr. A. Hill (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course will introduce students to qualitative methods of research in the health and population sciences. Methods of qualitative data collection, interpretation, analysis and reporting will be covered. The course will also include three innovative areas: 1). a discussion of the limitations of qualitative methods; 2). explore some of the questions of ethics as well as efficacy that arise when one tries to apply the lessons from qualitative research to policy; and 3). an exploration of non-traditional methods of qualitative research.
Course activities: Students will be expected to produce a short research paper or a proposal for research that incorporates qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. These papers/proposals will be presented to the class.


PIH 244b. Health Sector Reform: A Worldwide Perspective
Dr. P. Berman
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course surveys the impact of the global movement to reform national health care systems on the lower and middle income countries. It introduces a framework for analyzing health care systems and designing strategies for system reform, including political dimensions, with specific references to developing countries. It then examines some of the major elements of reform strategies as they are being applied in these countries, including goal-setting, financing, benefits packages, the organization of health care and the role of the private health sector, governmental reform, regulation, and change in consumer behavior. Studies and case material from many different countries are used.


PIH 245ab. Population and Development Policies: A World of Contention Dr. G. Zeidenstein
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

This seminar-course covers the development and implementation of population policies within the broader context of international development activities. It focuses on several broad sub-topics: the UN trail; theories and evidence; ethical considerations; environment; security; gender and sexuality; reproductive health and family planning programs; the shifting USA positions; resources; implementation; looking ahead.
Course Activities: Guest speakers will include practitioners, policymakers and researchers from the field. Students will be expected to master weekly reading materials, participate in class discussions, make a class presentation of work in progress, and submit a term paper on a topic agreed upon with the instructor. This seminar-course does not include quantitative applications.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students, with preference given to students from SPH and KSG. Admission will be based on written statements of purpose (no longer than two double-spaced pages) submitted to the instructor at the first session. Signature of instructor required.


PIH 251d: Evaluation of Health Interventions in Developing Countries
Dr. A. Hill, Dr. M. Mitchell
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course is an introduction to monitoring and evaluating health programs and interventions in developing countries. It aims to combine a solid theoretical understanding of the principles of evaluation with illustrations of practical application. The course will rely heavily on the use of case materials to illustrate how evaluations are done in the field. The course considers health evaluation from three different perspectives. First, we consider measures of impact and the methods required to measure changes in mortality, morbidity and health status of a population in the short or medium term. Second, we consider program (or organizational) performance in terms of whether resources are being used effectively and efficiently to deliver health interventions. Finally, we examine the question of attributing changes in health to particular programs or interventions often conducted in non-experimental situations.

The course will provide an overview of the reasons for undertaking a health evaluation and will consider appropriate conceptual frameworks for evaluation. A variety of methods for obtaining information are presented including the use of qualitative and quantitative data and how each of these might be collected in a variety of settings. Students are introduced to practical problems encountered in designing and conducting evaluation studies in a variety of settings including disease specific control programs, primary health care, training and communications programs and reproductive health.
Course Note: The course is intended for MPH and MS and doctoral students interested in international health program evaluation. Those with or without first-hand experience of health project overseas are equally welcome.



PIH 253b. Human Ecology
Dr. R. Levins
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Provides a broad overview of the human ecosystem as it emerges out of, but as different from, pre-human ecology. Topics are selected from biosphere processes, population interaction, agricultural systems, adaptation evolution and ecology of disease, ecological politics, and evolution. Also considers the role of knowledge and conscious planning as an aspect of human ecology and examines the approaches toward the solution of ecological problems.
Course Note: Basic knowledge of biology required.


PIH 256c. Implementation of Health Policies in Low and Middle Income Countries
Dr. T. Bossert
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Covers strategies for implementing new health policies after they have been formally adopted by the government, including political, regulatory, governance, and corruption issues and public management strategies. Examines in detail decentralization to local governments and the organizational transformation of ministries of health.
Course Note: It is strongly recommended that students take PIH 244b first.


PIH 257d. New and Resurgent Disease
Dr. R. Levins, Dr. T. Awerbuch and Guest Lecturers
1.25 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.

The course will cover new and resurgent disease as a general problem of evolutionary ecology and social change. Topics may include environmental change and disease; population change (demographic and migration); organismic changes; vulnerability of individuals and populations; vectors, reservoirs and hosts; eco-social models; research and public health strategies.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only.


[PIH 258b.] The Frontiers of Knowledge in HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Research
Dr. S. Kapiga
2.5 credits
Not offered 2001-2002. Offered alternate years.
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the current state of knowledge and future directions in HIV/AIDS epidemiology, prevention, care and research. It will comprise separate lectures on scientific, technical, programmatic and policy aspects of the global response to HIV/AIDS. It will provide an analytical framework which, drawing from accumulated knowledge and experience, will help understand the manifestations and deep roots of the pandemic, illuminate currently pressing issues and suggest avenues for an improved response to HIV/AIDS. Instructors and guest lecturers include public health specialists, clinicians and researchers, social and behavioral scientists from Harvard University, other academic centers and HIV/AIDS programs.


PIH 261cd. Mathematical Models in Biology and Public Health
Dr. T. Awerbuch (P), Dr. R. Levins (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.

This course examines mathematical models as a basis for analyzing biological and social phenomena relevant to public health. Applied topics include: spread and maintenance of infectious diseases such as AIDS, lyme disease and malaria; diffusion bioassays for determining toxicity and mutagenicity of drugs; screening for breast cancer; blood screening, enzyme kinetics; demographic modeling and population structures. Methodological topics include differential equations, probability, Leslie matrices, fitting models to data and computer simulation.


PIH 263e. Grant Writing for Funding of Research and Health Care Projects
Dr. K. Dumbaugh (P), Dr. R. Cash (S)
1 credit
Lectures, seminars. Four 3-hour sessions for one week.

The objective of the course is to provide participants with: 1) the opportunity to prepare a fundable grant proposal for submission to a funding agency upon completion of the course; 2) a framework which enables participants to write realistic and fundable proposals for basic or applied research, or for projects which deliver services or care; and 3) the most relevant sources of information about organizations which fund such work.
Course Note: Enrollment is limited to 20 students; no auditors permitted;
signature of instructor required. Interested students must submit a 200 word (or two short paragraph) description their idea for a proposal to dumbaugh@gis.net for review with a phone number where the student can be reached for discussion of proposal. Selection will be based on the importance of the problem the proposal will address. A mandatory organizational meeting will be held Thursday, December 6th 12:30-1:20pm in Kresge 206.


PIH 265d. Ethical Issues in International Health Research
Dr. R. Cash
2.5 credits
Seminar. One 3-hour session each week.

This course is designed to expose students to the key ethical issues that may be encountered in the course of conducting international health research. Using case presentations and discussion-based class sessions, students will have the opportunity to begin developing their own tools for dealing with these important issues in an applied context.


PIH 267c. HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries: Epidemiology and National Responses
Dr. S. Kapiga
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course is designed to provide a broad description of the distinct features of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in developing countries, and the evolution of national responses against HIV/AIDS in selected countries. The course will focus on sub-Saharan Africa, although relevant examples from other developing countries will be addressed during the presentations and discussions. At the beginning of the course, an overview of the status of the HIV/AIDS epidemic will be presented and followed by a discussion of the methods used to derive regional HIV/AIDS estimates. Later, factors contributing to the expansion of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa will be examined, and strategies that could be used to reduce further spread of the epidemic will be discussed. Subsequent sessions will focus on the evolution of national responses against HIV/AIDS epidemic in selected countries. In each country, the main features of the national HIV/AIDS control program will be described, and the key strategies adopted in reducing further spread of the HIV epidemic will be presented and discussed.
Course Activities: Case studies from selected countries where HIV/AIDS interventions have worked will be presented and discussed to assess the possibility of replicating programs from countries where HIV/AIDS interventions have been successful. A combination of formal lectures, case studies and student presentations will be used.


PIH 299cd. Master's Thesis
Department Members
5 credits

Student must produce a written thesis in accordance with the thesis guidelines developed by the department.
Course Note: Signature of instructor required; ordinal grading option only.


PIH 300a,b,c,d,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.

An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go beyond the content of the regular courses. The program provides an opportunity to consider the design of studies, programs, or analysis of data.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic; pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.


PIH 301 a,b,c,d Tutorial
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.


PIH321d War and Public Health
Dr. R. Cash
Offered 2001 only
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2.5 hour session each week.

The War and Public Health seminar will examine the impact that war and other kinds of large scale conflicts have on the health of populations who find themselves caught in the war zone. Guest lecturers from within and outside the Harvard community will meet with students on Tuesday evenings to discuss various aspects of war and how it affects vulnerable populations. Subjects to be discussed include the Laws of War, the epidemiology of war, the effect of embargoes and sanctions, refugee populations, psychological complications of such conflicts, mines, the unique effect of war on women and children, the economics of war, setting up medical treatment facilities in war zones, and other pertinent topics.
Course Note: Pass/fail grading option only.


PIH 324d. Geographical Information Systems and Helath Planning in Developing Countries
Dr. D. Hozumi (P), Dr. M. Reich (S)
1.25 credits
Seminar. One 2-hour session each week.

With recent progress in computer technology and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), the use of geographical information in public health research in developing countries became more accessible. This seminar will provide an introduction to GIS and its applications to health planning in developing countries. The participants will learn basic operations of GIS software and use of spatial analytical tools. Seminar topics will include fundamental theories of GIS, construction of geographical database, Internet resources of geographical data, simple techniques fo spatial analysis using GIS software, and examples from actual applications of GIS in health research in developing countries. Participants will work on projects to develop skills of GIS operations. This seminar is not a spatial statistics course. Practical traning will mainly use ArcView version 3.2 but it will introduce ARCGIS 1 and SpaceStat. Most geographical data for the sessions will be drawn from a Malawi Health Study project.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 12 students. The course assumes prior familiarity with basic computer skills such as word processing and use of spreadsheets but does not require knowledge of GIS or geography. Interested persons should send a short description of their research interest to the course instructor at Dairiku@msn.com by March 15, 2002.


PIH 350-356a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members, Members of the Center of Population and Development Studies
Time and credit to be arranged.

For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of instructor required.


PIH 353a,b. Population Ethics
Dr. A. Dyck


PIH 353 c,d. Population Ethics
Dr. A. Dyck


PIH 355b. Approaches to Complexity Emphasizing Qualitative Mathematics Applied to Public Health and Ecological Systems.
Dr. R. Levins

The main objective is to develop an intuitive grasp of the dynamics of complex systems.


PIH 356 a,b. Biostatistics for International Health
Dr. G. Wyshak

For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of instructor required.


PIH 356 c,d. Biostatistics for International Health
Dr. G. Wyshak
Time and credit to be arranged.

For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of instructor required.


PIH 400 a,b,c,d,s. Non-Resident Research
Department Members, Members of the Center of Population and Development Studies
Time and credit to be arranged.

For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of instructor required.


PII 250b. Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases of Public Health Importance in Developing Countries (Department of Population and International Health and the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases)
Dr. R. Cash
3.0 credits
Lectures, case studies. Three 2-hour sessions each week.

This course thoroughly reviews the epidemiology of infectious diseases of public health importance in developing countries. Emphasizes epidemiologic patterns of bacterial and viral diseases as they relate to different geographic and socioeconomic environments. Stresses methods of disease surveillance, especially with regard to prevention and control.
Course Activities: Case studies are extensively used with student teams proposing solutions to the problems.
Course Note: Ordinal grading option only.


PIM 233b. Biological and Clinical Foundations of Reproductive Health (Department of Population and International Health and Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. I. Aitken
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course provides an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction, and covers the essential clinical features of common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and reproductive tract infections. It also includes discussion of the modes of action of the different types of contraceptives and clinical procedures for abortion. The course is designed to prepare students with no clinical background for subsequent course work in reproductive health and is a prerequisite for PIM 234d and PIM 238c.


PIM 234d. Maternal and Perinatal Health Care in Developing Countries (Department of Population and International Health and Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. I. Aitken
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course will first provide an in-depth study of the biology and epidemiology of maternal and perinatal health problems in developing countries. Particular attention will be given to evaluating the absolute and relative importance of the main causes of obstetric morbidity and mortality and of low birthweight. The course will then discuss and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies like risk-screening, prenatal care, and emergency obstetric care in preventing or managing these problems. The information will be used to consider appropriate policies and programs in specific country case studies.
Course Note: PIM 233b or equivalent background in reproductive physiology and clinical sciences or signature of instructor required.


PIM 238c. Family Planning and Sexually Transmitted Infection Control in Developing Countries (Department of Population and International Health and Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. I. Aitken, Dr. S. Kapiga.
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, and case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course will examine the biological, epidemiological, social and organizational bases of programs for family planning and the control of sexually transmitted infections. It will consider the scope for and the implications of integration of these programs as mandated by the Cairo Programme of Action. It will also explore the effects and implications of different aspects of health sector reform on policy-making and program management.
Course Note: PIM 233b or equivalent background in reproductive physiology and clinical sciences or signature of instructor required.


[PIP 240d]. Political Economy of International Health Policy (Department of Population and International Health and the Department of Health Policy and Management)
Dr. M. Reich
2.5 credits
Not to be give 2001-2002.
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Examines issues of health and development in the context of international politics and economics. Explores how relations between developed and developing countries affect the formulation and implementation of health policy and the impact of development policy on health. Students are introduced to two contrasting perspectives on health and development: modernization theory and dependency theory, with attention to the roles of states, markets, non-governmental organizations, and international institutions.
Course Activities: Case studies are used to illustrate constraints and opportunities for influencing health and development policies.


PSB 205cd. Disaster Management (Department of Population and International Health and the Department of Health and Social Behavior)
Dr. J. Leaning
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.

Designed for physicians or public health officers who may be charged with responsibility for on-the-scene, immediate acute intervention during disasters. The focus will be on decision-making under stress, examining U.S. and international case studies within the theoretical framework of disaster planning, response, and assessment.
Course Activities: Requirements include readings from syllabus and short list of required tests as well as a final paper.


WGH 200c. Women, Gender and Health (Departments of Health and Social Behavior, Population and International Health, Maternal and Child Health and Epidemiology)
Dr. N. Krieger, Dr. S. Gruskin
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.

This course will focus on constructions of gender and sex and their implications for understanding determinants of population health and creating healthy public policy. It will consider how different frameworks of addressing gender and biological sex shape questions asked and explanations and interventions offered for societal patterns of health, disease, and well-being. The course will demonstrate ways of conceptualizing gender in relation to biology and health using case examples pertaining to breast cancer, smoking, cumulative trauma disorders of hands and wrists, HIV/AIDS, violence, access to health services, sexual health, reproductive health, and population policy. In all these cases, issues of gender will be related to other social determinants of health, including social class, racism, and other forms of inequality. Implications of diverse approaches will be debated, as part of developing useful strategies for improving physical, mental, and social well-being.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor required; no auditors.


WGH 207d. Advanced Topics in Women, Gender and Health (Departments of Maternal and Child Health, Health and Social Behavior, Population and International Health, and Epidemiology)
Dr. L. McCloskey
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

This interdepartmental, interdisciplinary seminar will offer the chance to analyze ways by which diverse constructs of gender influence public health research and practice. Using different examples each week, the core WGH faculty and students will focus on how gender contributes to classifying, surveying, understanding and intervening on population distributions of health, disease, and well-being. Discussion of these examples will draw on different disciplines, conceptual frameworks, and methodological approaches (both quantitative and qualitative). For example, traditional epidemiological and biostatistical methods, along with multilevel, ecosocial, and health and human rights frameworks will be applied, as appropriate, in the assessment of gender-based health related disorders. The format will include formal presentations and informal discussions.
Course Note: One graduate-level course on women, gender and health, including reproductive health, i.e. WGH200 required. Minimum enrollment of 5; maximum enrollment of 20; instructor's signature required. Pass/failing grading option only.


WGH 210b. Women, Gender and Health: Critical Issues in Mental Health (Departments of Maternal and Child Health, Health and Social Behavior and Population and International Health)
Dr. B. Gottlieb
1.25 credits
Lecture, seminar. One 2-hour session each week.

This course explores issues relevant to mental illness, mental health from a gender perspective. Course themes include illness constructs, life cycle and transitions, collective and individual trauma, role and relationship and embodiment. Topics include eating disorders, pain, hormonally mediated mood disorders, and victimization and will highlight examples from US and international experience. Readings will be multidisciplinary, including public health and medicine, social sciences, history and literature.
Course Activities: Includes a student final project.
Course Note: Minimum enrollment of 5 students; no auditors.




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